In November, I had the privilege of spending two nights at a place that’s been years in the making — a place Imvelo have dreamt about, talked about, and quietly built with care. But being there in person, high up in the treetops enveloped in nature’s theatre… it became something more. I felt deeply grounded, even as i looked down at the wilderness below from such a magnificent vantage point.
Tum Tum Treehouse Lodge is unlike anywhere else in Hwange — in its style, its setting, and the safari experience it will offer.
From the moment I arrived, I felt it: this lodge not only has the wow factor, but it has soul. It’s tucked away in a wild, untouched corner of the park where ancient Camelthorn trees stretch skyward, and waterholes lie directly in front of the lodge. It may just have the best seats in the bush.
The team shared stories from the months spent building here — of parades of red elephants wallowing in the mud, of new wild dog packs forming, and of a local lion pride, eight strong, being spotted around the lodge. The wildlife experience here will be epic.
One early morning, I sat on my elevated deck with coffee in hand, the bush alive with birdsong and I closed my eyes to imagine what our guests will see when Imvelo open in April. I could already picture it: herds of elephant moving through speckled light, guests pausing mid-massage to watch them pass five metres below. Tum Tum invites you to enjoy the day unfold from your own perch in the trees. Each elegant treehouse blends seamlessly into its surroundings — built without cutting a single branch. With vast glass windows and sliding doors, even afternoon siestas feel immersive. Whether it’s birding, watching the action at the waterholes, private dinners, morning coffees or sunset G&Ts, everything feels more alive and more exciting up here.
But Tum Tum is not just about the beauty of the view. It’s about where it is, and what it stands for. Close to the Mtshwayeli community, this lodge is part of something bigger — supporting the people who live just a few kilometres away. During my stay, we picked the freshest spinach and tomatoes from Mr. Mlevu’s garden for dinner, and gave lifts to school children who walk 10 km each way daily. You cannot imagine how that changed those kids’ day, the smiles and singing gave us some understanding, it was humbling. Tum Tum will help give these communities a better life — through employment, empowerment, and genuine connection.
With an underground hide already in place, Camelthorn-dappled walking trails, spending exclusive time up close with white rhinos and two highly productive waterholes, Tum Tum is ready to step into the safari spotlight. But more than that — we see it as a gift. To Hwange. To our guests. And to everyone who believes that wild places still have the power to move us.
Image credit: Imvelo Safari Lodges
